One of the best ways to age with grace is to maintain a healthy diet in your later years. “You are what you eat.” This means the food you put in your mouth directly impacts how you feel, and subsequently how well you live! Feeling great is the best way to enjoy your active lifestyle for as long as possible.
Below you will find tips and tricks to eat well and maintain a heart-healthy diet.
- Increase your consumption of non-starchy vegetables: You should eat 3-5 servings of vegetables per day. Some non-starchy vegetables include asparagus, broccoli, cauliflower, carrots and tomatoes.
- Limit your sodium intake: The American Heart Association recommends no more than 1,500 mg of sodium per day for most adults.
- Limit processed foods and foods high in fat and sugar: You should avoid foods that are pre-packaged. In the grocery store, do not walk down the center aisles. Instead, shop the perimeter to buy whole foods such as fruits, vegetables, meats and dairy products.
- Choose whole grain products: A few examples of whole grains include brown rice, quinoa and oats.
- Use unsaturated fats, reduce saturated fats and eliminate trans-fats: Healthy fats include coconut oil, avocado, eggs and nuts.
- Increase water intake: The Mayo Clinic recommends 124 ounces (15.5 cups) of fluid for men and 92 ounces (11.5 cups) of fluid for women.
- Prepare foods baked, broiled and grilled: Avoid frying your food.
To learn more about how you can age with grace, visit https://TheVillagesHealth.com/HealthyAging.